The Homicide Bureau is responsible for reviewing all homicides that occur within Erie County.
While certain cases may be referred to other bureaus, the Homicide Bureau handles the investigation and prosecution of the majority of homicides, which include the most complex and high-profile murder cases.
These criminal cases are developed by prosecutors through the use of forensic evidence, fingerprint and ballistic evidence, autopsies and DNA testing. Our Assistant District Attorneys also routinely participate in the interview of suspects and the preparation of search warrants, making certain that these investigative techniques do not run afoul of the often complex legal pitfalls that could be detrimental to the successful criminal prosecution.
As head of the Homicide Bureau, Chief Gary W. Hackbush is responsible for overseeing the investigation of all homicides. He supervises a team of some of the most experienced Assistant District Attorneys and Confidential Criminal Investigators within our office, while maintaining his own caseload. Chief Hackbush is on-call 24 hours a day to advise law enforcement agencies on matters concerning criminal charges, obtaining search warrants, evidence collection, witness and suspect interviews.
Recent High-Profile Homicide Convictions